Equality and equity
Tampere University is committed to the values of diversity and responsibility and strives for equality in all its activities. The equality of all people is an inalienable human right that the University respects in its own activities and promotes in society through teaching and research. Every member of the university community have a role in promoting and fostering equality and non-discrimination.
Equality and non-discrimination work is based on the Finnish legislation. According to the Constitution of Finland, everyone is equal before the law. No one shall, without an acceptable reason, be treated differently from other persons on the ground of sex, age, origin, language, religion, conviction, opinion, health, disability, or other reason that concerns their person.
The purpose of the Act on Equality between Women and Men is to prevent gender-based direct and indirect discrimination and promote equality between women and men. It also prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. Every university community member has the right to define their gender identity.
Under the Non-discrimination Act, the employer is required to promote equality and non-discrimination. The employer must assess the implementation of equality at the workplace and, considering the needs of the workplace, develop working conditions and the practices that are applied to recruiting and decisions that concern staff.
Organisation of equality and non-discrimination work at Tampere University
We do equality and non-discrimination work through a regularly updated equality and non-discrimination policy. We encourage all members of the community to take actions raised by the policy. The constant pursuit of equality requires commitment and actions by us all. As a guideline, we can use the famous quote of author, civil rights activist Maya Angelou:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Maya Angelou
The President has appointed an Equal Opportunities Committee which is responsible for monitoring and assessing the achievement of the goals set out in the University’s Equality and Non-discrimination Policy. The faculties and service units develop and monitor the progress of equality and non-discrimination as part of their own annual planning.
At TREY Student Union of Tampere University, the perspective of equality is present in all operations. Read more about equality work at TREY (trey.fi).
Additional material
Steps to Equality and Equity (tasaarvoisestiuralle.fi) is a bilingual (FI/EN) material for independent use. It contains discussion guidelines for a community. The material has been produced by the project Equal Career Paths for Women - Now! and co-funded by the European Social Fund.
If you suspect that you have been treated unequally, discriminated against or harassed
Harassment contacts and instructions at the University
You can contact the university harassment contacts, whose jobs include addressing cases of inappropriate treatment and harassment at Tampere University. Please see contacts and instructions:
- Inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying in work community
- Dealing with harassment, hate speech and controversy on social media
- Inappropriate conduct, harassment and bullying – help for students
External bodies
Ombudsman for Equality
If you suspect that your employer, University or other body has discriminated against you because of your gender, gender identity or gender expression, or otherwise violated the law on equality between women and men, you can ask the Ombudsman for Equality for guidance, advice, and help in resolving the matter. The Ombudsman for Equality can also provide you with other information on the Act on Equality between Women and Men.
Office of the Ombudsman for Equality, Helpline number: +358 295 666 842 (on Monday to Tuesday at 9–11 and Wednesday to Thursday at 13–15). Instructions and a secure contact form available on the website.
Non-Discrimination Ombudsman
If you have experienced or observed discrimination on grounds of age, origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activities, family relationships, health, disability, sexual orientation or other personal grounds, you can also turn to the Ombudsman for Equality.
Office of the Non-Discrimination Ombudsman, Customer service number: +358 295 666 817 (on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10–12), also chat (on Monday and Wednesday at 13-15 and on Friday at 10–12). Instructions and a secure contact form available on the website.
Regional State Administrative Agency
If you suspect that you have been discriminated against on one of the grounds prohibited by law, but your employer is unable to provide you with clarification, you can contact Occupational safety and health authorities at the Regional State Administrative Agency to clarify the matter. You can also contact us anonymously. It is recommended acting quickly, since the discrimination claim may expire. Regional State Administrative Agency for Western and Inland Finland, Tampere, switchboard +358 295 018 450, tyosuojelu.lansi [at] avi.fi (t)yosuojelu.lansi [at] avi.fi (yosuojelu[dot]lansi[at]avi[dot]fi)
More information
yhdenvertaisuus.tau [at] tuni.fi (yhdenvertaisuus[dot]tau[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Read more about Equity, diversity and inclusion